Gregory Murphy (R-NC)
VA Research Reform Act of 2025
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Committee Hearings Held
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The VA Research Reform Act of 2025 seeks to update how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles and utilizes research. It establishes a centralized data system to manage all research activities and creates a tiered review process to speed up approvals based on risk levels. The bill also mandates that major research projects include a plan for how findings will actually help veterans. Additionally, it establishes regional research hubs to provide technical support and coordination. Finally, the act requires the Department to track performance metrics and submit annual reports on research productivity and impact.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill is highly beneficial for veterans by improving the quality and application of medical research.
- Scored +7
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The bill improves veterans' healthcare by streamlining research approvals and mandating the implementation of high-impact findings into clinical practice.
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates annual public reports and performance metrics to increase transparency in VA research.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Research Oversight: The creation of a centralized data system will help the Department track research progress, avoid duplicating efforts, and find ways to turn research into actual clinical practice (Sec. 7383).
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Faster Research Approvals: A new tiered review system allows projects with minimal risk to go through an expedited process, which can help initiate valuable research more quickly (Sec. 7384).
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Direct Implementation of Findings: The bill requires that funds be used specifically to accelerate the transfer of "high-impact" research findings into actual clinical practice and patient care (Sec. 7385).
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Better Support for Researchers: Regional research hubs will provide technical assistance, guidance on study design, and help with regulatory compliance to support those conducting research (Sec. 7387).
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Increased Accountability through Transparency: By requiring annual reports that include performance metrics and facility-level data, the Department must show how well its research is performing and how it is improving veteran care (Sec. 7388).
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Enhanced Collaboration: The bill allows for better data sharing with partners like the Department of Defense and academic institutions to help accelerate the development of new treatments and technologies (Sec. 7389).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Administrative Burden for Researchers: Major research projects will now be required to include specific, detailed documents known as a "veteran impact forecast" and a "translation plan" before they can be approved or funded (Sec. 7386).
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Potential Oversight Intervention: The Under Secretary for Health is granted the authority to override local review boards or assume responsibility for a proposal to ensure a timely decision, which could impact local control of the review process (Sec. 7384).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates annual public reports and performance metrics to increase transparency in VA research. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight by allowing the Under Secretary for Health to override local review boards. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill emphasizes robust safeguards for protecting personal health information.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill improves veterans' healthcare by streamlining research approvals and mandating the implementation of high-impact findings into clinical practice. Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill optimizes the use of research funding through better oversight and required implementation of findings.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill is highly beneficial for veterans by improving the quality and application of medical research.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill enhances the organizational structure and implementation of research, effectively maximizing its value. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill includes provisions to protect personally identifiable information and personal health information during data sharing.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By improving the efficiency and impact of medical research, the bill enhances long-term benefits for veterans.
- 5/20/2026
- Committee Hearings Held
- 3/18/2026
- Committee Hearings Held
- 12/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House